Located in the heart of Cairns overlooking Trinity Bay, the 128-room Pullman Reef Hotel Casino offers three restaurants, a café, and three bars; Internet access; laundry and dry cleaning services; health club with hot tub, spa, and massage; rooftop swimming pool; and casino. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.
Reservations:
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Exploring Australia & New Zealand
Tour membership limited to 12-24 guests
21 days from $7,593 total price from Los Angeles
($6,695 air & land inclusive plus $898 airline taxes and departure fees)
Small group touring and the Lands Down Under – they add up to a perfect combination as we travel from Australia’s spectacular Great Barrier Reef and the storied Outback and Ayers Rock to sophisticated Sydney; from New Zealand’s towering Mt. Cook and breathtaking Milford Sound to high-spirited Queenstown and nautical Auckland.
Itinerary
Days 1 & 2: Depart U.S. for Cairns, Australia
Day 3: Arrive Cairns This afternoon we arrive in Cairns, gateway to Australia’s Far North and the Great Barrier Reef. We transfer to our hotel where tonight we enjoy a briefing and dinner. D
Day 4: Cairns/Kuranda We take an orientation tour of Cairns then board an historic railway to the mountain village of Kuranda. After time to explore we descend to Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park via the gondolas of Skyrail, gliding just feet above the rainforest canopy. Showcasing the culture of the rainforest people, Tjapukai ranks as Australia’s premier Aboriginal cultural attraction. B
Day 5: Great Barrier Reef This morning we board a boat for a day-long excursion to the Great Barrier Reef, at 1,200 miles long the world’s largest living organism and richest marine resource. We pull up at Michaelmas Cay where we can swim, snorkel, view the reef from a semi-submersible vessel, or take a guided birding tour. B,L
Day 6: Cairns/Alice Springs We take a morning flight to Alice Springs, where we see the Anzac Hill Monument to Australian and New Zealand soldiers, Royal Flying Doctors Service, and School of the Air, which provides schooling to widely scattered Outback children. Tonight we enjoy a traditional dinner in the “bush.” B,D
Day 7: Alice Springs This morning we embark on an Aboriginal “dreamtime” tour, to meet Walpiri tribespeople and learn about their ancient culture. Then we visit Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm, where we enjoy a picnic lunch and see the sheer rock walls aglow in reflected sunlight. B,L
Day 8: Alice Springs/Ayers Rock We reach our Ayers Rock hotel early afternoon. After lunch on our own, we visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is the traditional land of the Anangu Aboriginal peoples and home to the Olgas rock formations and Uluru (Ayers Rock). We watch the sun set over this fabled sandstone monolith that rises to a height of 1,114 feet. B
Day 9: Ayers Rock/Sydney This morning we visit the base of Uluru and the interesting museum here. Mid-day we fly to Sydney, arriving late afternoon at our hotel in the famed Circular Quay area. B
Day 10: Sydney Today’s tour features the breathtaking Royal Botanic Gardens, Darling Harbor and Mrs. Macquarie’s Point, Rose and Watson’s bays, and popular Bondi Beach. Then we board a catamaran for a lunch cruise around Sydney Harbour. B,L
Day 11: Sydney This morning we tour Koala Sanctuary Park, where koalas roam free. Next we drive along Sydney’s Northern Beaches, a string of 18 stunning playgrounds, then stop in fashionable Manly for free time and lunch on our own. B
Day 12: Sydney After we tour the iconic Sydney Opera House this morning, the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. Tonight we enjoy dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant, with excellent seafood and beautiful harbor views. B,D
Day 13: Sydney/Christchurch/Mount Cook Nat’l Park, New Zealand We fly this morning to Christchurch, New Zealand, where we board a motorcoach for the drive to Mount Cook National Park (Aoraki in the native tongue). We reach our hotel located inside the park this evening in time for dinner. B,D
Day 14: Mount Cook This morning’s tour of alpine Mount Cook Village and environs includes a visit to the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Center, where we see a 3D planetarium movie about the region. We also visit the Hillary Gallery, commemorating Sir Edmund’s achievements, including the first ascent of Mount Cook’s difficult South face. At 12,316 feet, Mount Cook is New Zealand’s tallest mountain – and just one of 27 Southern Alps peaks that top 10,000 feet. After time in the village for lunch on our own, this afternoon is at leisure to enjoy Aoraki Mount Cook as we wish – optional activities include hiking and scenic flights. B,D
Day 15: Mount Cook/Queenstown En route to Queenstown this morning we visit a local farmstead to watch the well-trained sheep dogs and to see a sheep-shearing demonstration. Then we travel through New Zealand’s lush fruit-growing region to Queenstown, stopping in the former gold mining town of Arrowtown for lunch on our own and a stop at the famed Kawarau Bridge where in 1988 AJ Hackett invented bungy jumping. Mid-afternoon we reach the “adventure capital” of Queenstown. B,D
Day 16: Milford Sound Our day-long excursion to Milford Sound includes a nature cruise through the breathtaking fjords. We have lunch on board then later have the opportunity to return to Queenstown on an optional scenic flight (weather permitting). B,L
Day 17: Queenstown Today is free to enjoy Queenstown as you wish. From bungy jumping, river rafting, and kayaking to wineries, art galleries, and arts trails, activities abound. Your tour director will be happy to help you plan your time. Lunch and dinner today are on your own. B
Day 18: Queenstown/Rotorua We depart this morning for Rotorua, with its geysers, bubbling mud pools, hot thermal springs, and a center of Maori culture. This afternoon’s tour includes the new Rotorua Museum, among other highlights. B
Day 19: Rotorua This morning and early afternoon are at leisure; late afternoon we visit Te Puia Thermal Reserve and Maori Cultural Center for a traditional hangi dinner and performance. B,D
Day 20: Rotorua/Auckland On our way to Auckland we stop at Ruakuri Caves to see the unique glowworms illuminate underground grottoes. Mid-afternoon we arrive in the “City of Sails,” in a beautiful natural setting atop 48 volcanic hills. We take a panoramic city tour featuring Auckland Harbour and the America’s Cup Village. Tonight we celebrate our adventure at a farewell dinner. B,D
Day 21: Depart for U.S. Early this morning we transfer to the Auckland airport for the flight to Los Angeles (via Sydney or Brisbane), where we connect with our return flights home. B
Included
- Round-trip air transportation from listed cities; all flights within itinerary
- 18 nights' accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and First Class hotels
- 30 meals: 18 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 8 dinners
- Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees
- Services of local Odysseys Unlimited Tour Directors
- Private motorcoach transportation throughout your trip
- Luggage handling for one bag per person
- Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers
- $100 frequent traveler credit towards your next Odysseys Unlimited tour ($200 after three tours)
Dates & Prices
2012/2013 Tour Dates & Prices
including international airfare and all taxes, surcharges, and fees
| 2012 Sep 8 2013 May 4 |
2012 Sep 29 Oct 6, 13 Oct 20, 31* Nov 17 2013 Apr 6 |
2013 Feb 2 Feb 13* Feb 16 Mar 2 |
2013 Jan 12 Jan 16 Jan 19 |
|
| Los Angeles | $7,593 | $7,893 | $8,093 | $8,393 |
| Phoenix, San Fran | $7,793 | $8,093 | $8,293 | $8,593 |
| Dallas, Houston, Port (OR), Seattle |
$7,893 | $8,193 | $8,393 | $8,693 |
| Atlanta, Boston, Chi, Cleve, Den, Detroit, Miami, Minneapolis, Orlando, Tampa |
$7,993 | $8,293 | $8,493 | $8,793 |
| Baltimore, Charlotte, Cincinnati, New York, Phil, Washington, DC |
$8,093 | $8,393 | $8,593 | $8,893 |
Please call if your city is not listed; land only not available. Prices are per person based on double occupancy and include airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees of $898, which are subject to change until final payment is made.
Single travelers please add $2,195. Your $375 deposit is fully refundable up to 95 days prior to departure. All 2012/2013 tour prices above (excluding airline taxes, fuel surcharges, and departure fees) are guaranteed.
*Accommodations in Queenstown will be at Heritage Queenstown
An overnight stay at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport (upon departure or return) is available for $89 per person (single supplement: $59). Depending on flight schedules, certain U.S. departure cities may require an overnight stay at your expense.
Business Class upgrade on round-trip Trans-Pacific flight: $6,595 per person.
Accommodations
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Pullman Reef Hotel Casino, Cairns / Days 3-5 / Deluxe
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Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs / Days 6-7 / Superior First Class
Adjacent to the Alice Springs Golf Course and a 10-minute walk to “Alice’s” major sights, the Crowne Plaza offers two restaurants and a bar, gym, tennis courts, sauna and whirlpool, outdoor pool, Internet access, and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note that while the Crowne Plaza Hotel is one of the best in Alice Springs, it may not meet the standards of the other hotels on your tour.
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Voyages Sails in the Desert Hotel, Ayers Rock / Day 8 / Superior First Class
Part of the Voyages Ayers Rock Resorts complex, the Sails in the Desert Hotel celebrates Aboriginal heritage and culture through its décor and the on-site Mulgara Gallery of native art and crafts. Hotel amenities include an outdoor pool, spacious grounds, several restaurants and bars, Internet access, and dry cleaning and laundry services, while the greater resort complex offers a host of amenities, from five additional swimming pools and two tennis courts to a shopping complex, hair salon, and visitors’ center. A free shuttle bus operates continuously around the property. Spacious air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, private balcony or verandah, mini-bar, TV, and phone.
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Sir Stamford, Sydney / Days 9-12 / Deluxe
Sir Stamford at Circular Quay stands in the heart of Sydney on historic Macquarie Street and in close proximity to the Opera House, Royal Botanic Gardens, and Sydney Harbour. Built in the late 1800s, the hotel features 18th-century Louis XV and Georgian antiques. Amenities include a restaurant and bar, Internet access, laundry and dry cleaning services, fitness center, sun deck, sauna, and outdoor heated pool. Comfortable guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, TV, and phone.
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The Hermitage Hotel, Mt. Cook / Days 13-14 / First Class
Located inside Mt. Cook National Park, The Hermitage Hotel offers a range of options for enjoying the park, from hiking to flight seeing. The newly refurbished hotel, which is part of the Aoraki Mount Cook Village of several hotels, has two restaurants, café, and lounge; Internet access; gift shop featuring native Maori crafts; and laundry facilities. Guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, TV, and phone.
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Hotel St. Moritz, Queenstown / Days 15-17 / First Class
Nestled on a hillside overlooking Queenstown’s breathtaking lake and mountains, the alpine-lodge style Hotel St. Moritz is located just a few minutes’ walk from prime dining and shopping areas. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, Internet access, laundry and dry cleaning facilities, fitness center, sauna, and spa. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-bar, TV, and phone.
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Royal Lakeside, Rotorua / Days 18-19 / First Class
On the shores of Lake Rotorua, the Royal Lakeside is a five-minute walk from the city center. Hotel amenities include a restaurant and bar, Internet access, spa, sauna, fitness center, and indoor pool. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, coffee- and tea-making facilities, mini-bar, TV, and phone.
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Stamford Plaza Auckland, Auckland / Day 20, Extension / Superior First Class
Stamford Plaza Auckland sits in the heart of Auckland’s central business district just one block from Waitemata Harbour and a few minutes’ walk to the High Street shopping district, Sky City casino, and DFS Galleria duty-free shopping center. The hotel features three restaurants and a bar; gift shop; fitness center with pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, and gym; Internet access; and laundry and dry cleaning services. Air-conditioned guest rooms have private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, tea- and coffee-making facilities, mini-bar, TV, and phone.
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Ratings are based on the Hotel & Travel Index, the travel industry standard reference.
Unrated hotels may be too small, too new, or too remote to be listed.
Extension
Post-Tour Extension
Auckland - On Your Own
3 days/2 nights for $245 total price
Single Supplement: $175
Enjoy the sparkling “City of Sails” at your own pace.
Your Tour Price Includes
- 2 nights’ accommodations at Stamford Plaza Auckland (Superior First Class)
- 2 meals: 2 breakfasts
- Transfer to airport
Please see the Accommodations tab for hotel information.
Small Group Tour Highlights
- Ride aboard Vintage Kuranda steam train and Skyrail gondolas
- Tjapukai Aboriginal Culture Park
- Great Barrier Reef excursion
- Aboriginal “dreamtime” experience
- Sunset at Ayers Rock
- Sydney touring and Harbour cruise
- Ample leisure time in Sydney
- Koala Sanctuary Park
- Two-night stay at Mt. Cook National Park
- Milford Sound cruise
- Geo-thermal Rotorua
- Maori cultural experience
- Auckland touring
What people are saying about us
“Odysseys, in our opinion, provides the most value for the dollar.”
William C. Holland
Elk Rapids, ME
For reservations, click here or call toll-free, 1-888-370-6765
Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Eastern Time
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